Detect atrial fibrillation! Free lecture at the Asklepios Clinic!

Detect atrial fibrillation! Free lecture at the Asklepios Clinic!

What is happening in Schwalmstadt? On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Asklepios Klinikum Schwalmstadt invites you to a special lecture. Under the topic “Atrial fibrillation – a treatable widespread disease”, Dr. med. Adam Rokita, the chief physician of internal medicine and cardiology, will take a closer look at the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmia in Germany. The lecture begins at 6 p.m. in a large lecture hall on the first basement floor of the clinic and admission is free - no advance registration is required, which makes participation easier.[nh24.de]

How many people are affected? According to estimates, around one in three people over the age of 55 currently suffers from atrial fibrillation (AF), and in Germany there are around 1.8 million people affected. The symptoms are often very unspecific: racing heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness and dizziness do not occur in everyone, so the disease often goes unnoticed. Only about every second patient feels any symptoms at all, which further complicates the situation.[nh24.de]

Risks and course of the disease

But atrial fibrillation is not just annoying: the irregular and rapid beating of the heart can lead to serious long-term complications such as strokes. The risks must be taken seriously, which is why the lecture also provides an overview of the current diagnostic and treatment options. Questions are expressly welcome after the lecture, which creates additional opportunities for clarification.[nh24.de]

Interestingly, a recent analysis of the Framingham Heart Study shows that the prognosis for AF patients has improved somewhat over the past few decades. However, the constantly increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation means that the lifetime risk is around 1:3 for people aged around 55 and forecasts indicate that around 17.9 million people in Europe could be affected by 2060. Despite better treatment methods, mortality remains increased - there are still open questions to be answered about cardiovascular mortality and the effects of new medications.[aerzteblatt.de]

Current events and their effects

Unfortunately, things are looking bleak in other parts of the world at the moment. Hurricane Melissa recently hit Jamaica with devastating force and hit the region hard. With winds of up to 185 mph, the storm is one of the strongest in decades and has caused at least seven deaths in the Caribbean.[apnews.com]The infrastructure in Jamaica in particular was unable to cope with the forces of nature, leading to massive landslides, power outages and evacuated residential areas. The authorities are now trying to stabilize the situation and organize relief measures.

Preparations for the evacuations in Cuba are still ongoing, as heavy rainfall and storm damage are also expected there. Citizens are urged to avoid dangerous areas, underlining the seriousness of the situation. The situation in the Caribbean is tense as both Jamaica and Cuba will be dealing with the aftermath of the storm.[apnews.com]

Although the weather and the challenges of nature can be terrifying, it is important to continue to raise awareness of health issues such as atrial fibrillation. The upcoming lecture in Schwalmstadt will contribute to this, not only providing information, but also offering the opportunity to clarify questions and talk to experts.[nh24.de]